r/galapagos

Was looking around for some reliable information including ask AI and what I was finding was very out of the date so my last airport post got alot of views and responses wanted to do one here too..

The airport was about 2KM from the center of town the route had mostly paved roads and you could wheel a wheeler bag around on most of it. Many people saw me and offered me help getting to the airport for free of charge. I kept walking at first because I didn't understand what they were asking them this one guy in a work truck pulled over and offered to drive me to the airport for free which I took him up on it. The walk wouldn't have been bad, the hot sun plays the only factor. 

The other thing is the airport now has running water and washrooms  there still is no AC  the people at check counter show up exactly an hour before as does bio security control. 

People were really nice 

Some people had too much luguage for the plane so they told them it would be brought over the next day 

If you are over what you bought they do let you re pack and put stuff on to fit the weight scale 

They also let people who bought tickets together combine the weights of the bag

Looking for recommendations for day trip operators for Kicker Rock and Espanola for my trip to San Cristobal in September.

Hi everyone! I’ll be visiting the Galápagos in September and I’m trying to decide between a day trip to Floreana or Bartolomé from Santa Cruz.

I’m already doing 3 days of diving (including Gordon Rocks), so I’d like something that gives me a different experience from diving.

I’m interested in wildlife, snorkeling, landscapes, hiking, and generally having an adventurous day, rather than just seeing one particular viewpoint.

For those who have done both: which one did you enjoy more, and why?

Would you personally pay the extra ~$85 for Bartolomé, or would you choose Floreana?

Thanks!

My husband and I would are starting to plan a trip for next year for our late honeymoon. We were originally to go around the one-year anniversary of our wedding (April) though we are flexible. I think we are leaning towards a boat-based trip. Finally, we are big birders and that is a big driver for this trip.

So far, I have read different advice for different species. If we are interested in maximizing the birds that we see, do you have recommendations on when we should go (is April OK, or another time of year?), and what would be the best route? Thank you!

We are traveling with a land-based tour (air/speed boat) in September. What size duffle bag is practical for a 9 day trip of this nature? Does the bag have to be completely waterproof or is water resistant good enough? Thank you!

hello!
I'm spending 4-5 days on San Cristobal the week after next. I have a rough idea of things I'd like to check out, but I'm getting some serious analysis paralysis attempting to actually book trips.

For example. I'd like to do a day trip to Espanola.
Ideally I'd like to book and pay ahead of time.

Other than Google/Yelp reviews I have no idea how to determine which companies are going to be good to deal with.

Any suggestions here?

Hi everyone, i’m planning to travel to the Galápagos in mid august, something like a 2 week land based trip Booking all the activities in advance, i was thinking 10-25 of august.

My questions are:

Do you think it is a good period to visit?

Is there anything i have to be aware of in this particular time of the year?

Is it more dangerous to snorkel and hop from one island to another?

Do I have to buy my own gear or can I rent everything i need there?

Is there any food centered expirience? Like a place where you have to eat at least once in your life? (Even if the price is very high or something)

Any useful information is greatly appreciated!

From August 12, 2026, inter-island ferry ticket prices in the Galápagos have been officially updated.
This change was approved by the Ecuadorian Ministry of Transport and Public Works together with the local authorities of the Galápagos.
The previous fares had remained nearly unchanged for about 15 years.
The new official tourist fare is USD 50 per person, per trip for the regular ferry service and USD 65 for the special service. However, the final price may vary depending on the operator or travel agency, typically ranging from USD 60 to USD 90 per person, as agencies may include booking fees or additional services.
You can book with any trusted agency or operator with good reviews.
Some agencies may still honor previous fares (USD 30–50) for a few more days, but the new official rates are now in effect and are expected to become standard across all operators very soon.

Note: Prices may vary depending on the travel agency, ferry operator, country of purchase, taxes, and additional fees. The prices shown are for reference only and are not official selling prices.

i've been exploring santa cruz and isla isabela for the past few days but tomorrow morning im taking the early ferry to san cristobal to chill and relax before my flight saturday. any suggestions? id love to see like, the best places or take any suggestions that completely impressed you. i dont have any plans at all. i would like to just walk around and look. nothing extravagant, i dont want to do a full day tour or anything. i'd just like casual suggestions like a good beach or good restaurants or something that would make a great picture

Who would be the best tour operators to use from Santa Cruz, san Cristobal, or Isabela?

These are the activities I want to do;

Bartolome from Santa Cruz

Espanola or Punta Pitt from San Cristobal

Any other suggestions welcome! Thanks

Hello! My mother has talked about the Galapagos being the only trip she wanted to do for as long as I’ve been alive and has taken a backseat while my father traveled the world (150+ countries but never this one for her!) to care for her parents. She’s turning 75 and I plan to gift her this trip for them + myself and my sibling. However, I think we’ve waited a bit long as my father is now 85 with mild Parkinson’s and so I don’t want to delay any further as things are not going to improve for them in terms of activity level. She’s in fine health but stairs are an issue for her. (They are both otherwise in fine health and my sibling and I will be there as well, which is also why I feel it is important to go now and not wait any longer.)

She wants to see turtles, sea lions, penguins, and birds, in that order of importance. They both like nature a lot and have done safaris as their favorite trips. They are members of their local bird club and travel to go see various special birds doing things but she most cares about the turtles. They will not go snorkeling. I have 1000s of dives but do not plan to dive on this trip though I will bring a wet suit for snorkeling.

She’s always talked about the Nat Geo cruise but looking at the itinerary I don’t think an expedition one is right for them at this age and with some mobility limits.

We did a northern lights cruise in Norway last year. It was the first real “cruise” for all of us (with the exception that I’ve done a great number of liveaboards / sailboat charters if one considers those a cruise - I’m adding that as I have a mental frame of reference for what seem to be the standard small cruise size ships and layouts in the Galapagos.) It went ok, but I learned from that we do not want them on a cruise ship for 10 days as my father was extremely bored (granted it being pitch black at midday probably greatly added to that.)

I’ve looked into staying at one of the hotels (Finch Bay) and doing the day trips instead but am not sure if that is any better as the the transit time out is long.

I’m leaning toward Celebrity only because it seems more comfortable for them, has elevators, stability for my father who can be a bit unbalanced, easiest rib transits from what I read (the balance issue) etc. But would really love to hear any other suggestions on this.

If we could get away with a 4/5 N/D cruise I also think that would be better and think we can do the turtles from the land if that knocks out some cruise days. Also looked at maybe doing a land split on the islands which would be great but we’d still need to do a shorter cruise I think to see some of her animal wants.

Any suggestions here would be greatly appreciated!

Our fuller itinerary is below (we’re not bound with days so I’ve left the tail end open)

Days 1-2: arrival (stay near airport for parents to acclimate better and recover from traveling, ensure luggage arrives, etc.)
Days 3-7: Quito + Mashpi package (looking to see if we can switch the itinerary and do Mashpi then Quito instead of a split for less travel hassle on them.)
Days 8-10: Finch Bay + turtles
Days xx-xx: cruise
Day xx: back to airport
Day xx: fly out

Currently in the process of planning a one-week September Galapagos trip to Santa Cruz and Isabela.

Few questions:

1. When and should I book the day tours? Does it make more sense to book a few weeks ahead online or can I wait until a few days before?

2. Which tours are musts and which are not really worth it?

3. If anybody has some experience or recommendations with regards to which day-tour operators are well suited for a solo traveller, that would also be much appreciated!

I have filled in the TCT online form but my credit card is not being accepted. (I get an error message saying my bank has declined payment). I have run my bank and they say they haven't blocked any payments. I'm not travelling until October - is my payment being refused because I'm filling the form in too early (ie not 48 hours beforehand)? Would be grateful if anyone has any suggestions.

I've also read somewhere that you can't pay at the airport anymore - you have to pay online. Is this true?

What types of clothing are recommended for Galapagos for the end of February? I am guessing quick dry shorts and t- shirts? Are there brands that you all recommend?
How about footwear?
I am interested in both women’s and men’s options.

How about light weight, easy to carry water bottles?

A day pack for hikes?

Any tips and recommendations are appreciated!

Thank You!

Hey so I’m doing a 8 day trip in the middle of September

Day
1 Arrive St Cristobal (Early afternoon)
2 Explore St Cristobal (on foot / taxi)
3 Day trip St Cristobal
4 Fly to Isabela + afternoon trip
5 Another day trip
6 Chill morning then ferry to Santa Cruz (overnight there)
7 Day in Santa Cruz then ferry to St Cristobal
8 Day trip St Cristobal
9 Depart St Cristobal (Late morning)

I originally booked the trip as a split between St Cristobal and Santa Cruz but after reading the threads here it seems I should spend more time in Isabela and just use Santa Cruz as a stop over at most.

Looking at mostly boat tours for my day trips. Snorkeling SUP, etc.

Is this realistic or too much? Should I split the time up differently?

Thanks!

Galapagos is a bucket list destination for me and I could snorkel every day. My partner doesn't much like the water. So my initial inclination is a land-based trip. I'm looking at the Happy Gringo 10-day itinerary, so the logistics would be handled for us.

Time-wise, thinking late April/early May 2027, almost the end of the rainy season? I know the marine life can be more active and abundant later in the year. I like the idea of warmer water though, and the time fits into our schedule better.

Price matters, but value matters more.

All input appreciated. Thanks!

Novice snorkeler here. I’m lucky enough to be taking a cruise in the Galapagos in mid October. I’ve snorkel a handful of times, but I am not very a confident swimmer in the open water and to be honest am not a fan of cold water whether it be ocean, lake, pool or otherwise. Regardless, I don’t want to miss the opportunity to be in the water and experience with the Galapagos has to offer.

I understand the ship I’ll be on supplies 3 mm Shorty wetsuits which is great however I’m wondering if I would enjoy my experience more if I simply purchased either a thicker Shorty or a full-size wetsuit altogether.

Is there anyone out there like me who might share your own experience?